Next generation of girls inspired by cricket festival and cup final at new Farington ground
Women and girls from across Lancashire recently came together to celebrate grassroots cricket in a festival-themed event designed to inspire more young females to take part in the sport.
Women’s teams from Ramsbottom Cricket Club and Edgworth Cricket Club took to the pitch at Farington Cricket Ground, Lancashire Cricket’s new elite training and community cricket facility, to take part in the Women’s Knock Out T20 Cup Final in front of a crowd of hundreds.
Having beaten 11 other teams to the final, the two sides fought it out with Ramsbottom CC emerging victorious for a second year. They posted a total of 143 runs for eight wickets, and bowled out Egerton CC for 84 in the second innings.
Alongside the match ran a girls’ cricket festival, with saw young people take part in friendly matches, training sessions and themed games designed to promote the safe, inclusive and accessible benefits of the sport.
Having only opened in July, it was the first time many spectators and supporters were able to experience the new Farington ground, a dual-purpose cricket facility combining professional level-infrastructure with community provision. The ground was developed with sustainability, long-term community engagement, and inclusivity in mind, and features new pitches, a pavilion, practice areas, and an indoor dome.
Lancashire Cricket Foundation, which organised and oversaw the event, said it proved to be the perfect opportunity to inspire the next generation of players.
Jen Barden, Managing Director for Lancashire Cricket Foundation, said: “Bringing the girls’ festival and knock out final together has created something really special for Lancashire – it’s been a highlight of our year.
“Hundreds of young girls were able to enjoy playing cricket themselves while watching some of the best women’s players from across the county compete in a really exciting match – something that’s sure to leave them with lasting memories.”
Maeve Jones, Ramsbottom Women’s Captain, said: “Today has been an unbelievable experience. Farington is a fantastic venue, another home for cricket in Lancashire, and it was great to see so many young girls playing in the Dynamos event before coming over to watch the final. Hopefully, seeing women’s cricket up close will inspire more of them to pick up a bat or ball and become the next generation of Lancashire players.
“On the pitch, we played brilliantly as a team. We posted a strong total on a difficult wicket and every bowler contributed too, which shows the depth we have in the side. I’m incredibly proud of the team and delighted to come away with the win.”
Jen added: “What’s important to Lancashire Cricket Foundation is giving young players the chance to see what is possible if they continue to progress in cricket, and having visible role models within the game is an incredibly important part of that. We hope experiences like this will have a long-term impact, encouraging more girls to get involved and support the continued growth of women’s and girls’ cricket across the region.”